AN EASTER tradition that has taken place for the past 23 years is under threat in Wirral.

This year's annual motorbike charity Easter Egg Run, which draws crowds of thousands, could be the last after the council revealed plans to start charging for road closures and safety marshals from 2005.

Organisers fear costs could spiral into thousands of pounds.

Bill Brereton, egg run committee secretary, said: "We are not certain what will happen next year.

"It is definitely going ahead this year but we cannot say for sure after that.

"We know the council is trying to cover its costs but this will take money away from the children."

The Egg Run, which raised more than £12,000 for equipment at Arrowe Park Hospital's children's ward last year, started with a handful of bikers 23 years ago but now attracts more than 5,000.

It sets off from New Brighton ending at Clatterbridge Hospital, where the goodies and cash are handed out.

A council spokesman said: "We have no plans to charge organisers any costs for this year's Egg Run."